The two were facing-off for the right to represent the party in the general election against Democrat Aaron Woolf in November.

Congressman Bill Owens, the Democrat who currently holds the seat, decided not to seek re-election in the fall.

Doheny endorsed Elise Stefanik in her bid to win the seat.

In a statement Stefanik thanked Doheny for his support saying he "waged a hard fought primary and we respect and appreciate his decision to give Republicans their best opportunity to win back our seat for the North Country."

Doheny failed at two previous attempts for the seat, including a three-way race in 2010 that included conservative businessman Doug Hoffman.